In the early 2000s, National Geographic journalist Dan Buettner began researching and coined the term “Blue Zones” to identify areas of the world where people lived the longest (Blue Zones). His research led him to seek similarities among these groups to discover their strategies and secrets to longevity. One of the common characteristics involved the way people move and stay active. Let’s explore how centenarians, or people who live to be 100 years or older, naturally incorporate movement into their daily lives.
Natural Movement
In the Blue Zones, people do not typically exercise by going to the gym or joining the latest fitness class. Instead, they fit movement into nearly every aspect of their life. They walk to and from work, school, and the store. They do many things by hand rather than relying on modern conveniences and appliances. Citizens of the Blue Zones spend their time tending to gardens, working in fields, and making food from scratch. While they might not be training for a marathon or lifting heavy barbells, they incorporate movement naturally and have very little sedentary time throughout their day. This approach to physical activity reminds us that even small movements add up throughout our day, and intentionally minimizing sedentary time can make a difference.
Active Hobbies
Even the hobbies of centenarians in the Blue Zones are often more active. You might find people gathering together to dance and sing. Some of their daily chores, like fishing, gardening, and baking, become enjoyable hobbies. Often, their socialization requires walking or biking to one another instead of taking a car or bus. Not only do their hobbies typically include physical activity, but many of them involve the community and bring purpose and intentionality to their daily lives.
Find Realistic Ways to Incorporate Daily Movement
While it might not be possible to whisk away to one of the Blue Zone areas for a simpler life, the common principles can be applied anywhere. Find ways to naturally incorporate more movement in your day and prioritize at least a few active hobbies. In a way of life that you may be more familiar with, this could look like walking with a coworker during your lunch break, parking a little further away, walking whenever able, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, planting a small herb or vegetable garden, or volunteering to walk dogs at an animal shelter. This doesn’t mean we need to ditch the gym or structured exercise completely, but it does highlight how beneficial intentional movement throughout your day can be.
Always consult with your physician before starting a new exercise program.
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